All Blog Posts Tagged 'News' - Cigar Federation2019-02-22T13:57:06Zhttp://cigarfederation.com/profiles/blog/feed?tag=News&xn_auth=noBooze News: Magnify Adding Another Variant to Short Stack Seriestag:cigarfederation.com,2019-02-20:6432777:BlogPost:3860262019-02-20T14:24:54.000ZMatt Rosshttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/MattRosenthal
<p>According to a filing with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureay (TTB), Fairfield, NJ's Magnify Brewing Company received approval on February 17th for a can label for Blueberry Short Stack. This will be the 8th beer in Magnify's Breakfast DIPA series.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1163814546?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1163814546?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>According to label art, Blueberry Short Stack will be an 8% DIPA brewed with oats,…</p>
<p>According to a filing with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureay (TTB), Fairfield, NJ's Magnify Brewing Company received approval on February 17th for a can label for Blueberry Short Stack. This will be the 8th beer in Magnify's Breakfast DIPA series.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1163814546?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1163814546?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>According to label art, Blueberry Short Stack will be an 8% DIPA brewed with oats, lactose, maple syrup &amp; blueberries. While the brewery tends to keep release info close to the vest, the brewery did confirm that this is their "next breakfast DIPA".</p>
<p>Magnify's Breakfast DIPA series debuted in January 2017 when Most Important Meal was released. Most Important Meal was a 9% DIPA brewed with milk sugar, pastry flour, and locally sourced coffee, and hopped with Amarillo, Cascade and Citra. </p>
<p>In November 2017, the brewery debuted Frosted Flakes, a 8% DIPA brewed with lots of oats, vanilla and lactose, and dry hopped with Citra, Mosaic and Amarillo.</p>
<p>Last February saw the release of Strawberry Short Stack - another 8% DIPA containing a hefty dose of oats, strawberry puree, maple syrup, and a touch of lactose, and dry hopped with Citra and Mosaic.</p>
<p>This past April, French Toast was released. French Toast was brewed with oats, maple syrup, lactose, and cinnamon, and dry hopped with Citra, Mosaic, and El Dorado.</p>
<p>The second variant of Short Stack - Peach Short Stack - made its debut in May 2018 shortly after we broke news of it <a href="http://cigarfederation.com/profiles/blogs/news-magnify-registers-label-for-peach-short-stack" target="_self">here</a>. Like its predecessor, it was an 8% DIPA with <span>a hefty dose of oats, peach purée, maple syrup and a touch of lactose, and dry hopped with Citra and Mosaic.</span></p>
<p><span>Magnify released Crunch in July. Crunch was an 8% ABV DIPA brewed with vanilla, cinnamon, oats, oat milk, a touch of raisins and a dash of lactose, and dry hopped with Citra and Mosaic.</span></p>
<p><span>Most recently, Magnify debuted Flannel Season - the 7th in the Breakfast DIPA Series - this past November. Inspired by apple cider donuts, Flannel Season was brewed with 100 gallons of freshly pressed apple cider from Windy Brow Farms, lactose and a variety of Fall spices, including cinnamon. It was then dry hopped with Citra and Mosaic, and conditioned on vanilla. </span></p>
<p></p>Booze News: Conclave Brewing Receives TTB Approval for Moonwater Labeltag:cigarfederation.com,2019-02-19:6432777:BlogPost:3859332019-02-19T15:00:00.000ZMatt Rosshttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/MattRosenthal
<p>Right before Thanksgiving, Conclave Brewing debuted another in a long line of stellar IPA offerings - Moonwater. Now, according to a filing with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), it appears the Flemington, NJ brewery might be gearing up to can Moonwater.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1151577624?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1151577624?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>On February 15th, Conclave received TTB approval for a can label for…</p>
<p>Right before Thanksgiving, Conclave Brewing debuted another in a long line of stellar IPA offerings - Moonwater. Now, according to a filing with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), it appears the Flemington, NJ brewery might be gearing up to can Moonwater.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1151577624?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1151577624?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>On February 15th, Conclave received TTB approval for a can label for Moonwater. Debuting on November 16, 2018, Moonwater is a 6% ABV IPA that Conclave details as "an IPA brewed to be simple, enjoyable and drinkable. We used a blend of base malts, Mosaic and Motueka hops and then a blend of ale yeasts to make this one. While it’s clearly a hoppy one, it’s crisp minerality and finish is what we’re really psyched about. Come on by and let us know what you feel. Notes of Sauvignon blanc, grape bubblegum, lemongrass and lime."</p>
<p>When we reached out to Conclave for details, we were informed that the brewery doesn't "<span>have it scheduled to be canned yet, just making sure the labels are ready when we do."</span></p>
<p><strong>Updated 2/19 at 5:20pm to reflect comments from Conclave</strong></p>
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</div>Booze News: Flying Fish Brewing Company Gearing Up For Busy Marchtag:cigarfederation.com,2019-02-19:6432777:BlogPost:3860232019-02-19T14:58:36.000ZMatt Rosshttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/MattRosenthal
<p>Known widely for their <a href="https://www.flyingfish.com/beers/categories/exit-series/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Exit Series</a> which produced beers for each exit on the New Jersey Turnpike to reflect the diversity of the Garden State, Somerdale, NJ's Flying Fish Brewing Company has been on the scene in various forms since 1995. In recent years, a rebranding and an uptick in limited release modern styles has seen renewed popularity in the brewery. Now, it appears Flying Fish's…</p>
<p>Known widely for their <a href="https://www.flyingfish.com/beers/categories/exit-series/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Exit Series</a> which produced beers for each exit on the New Jersey Turnpike to reflect the diversity of the Garden State, Somerdale, NJ's Flying Fish Brewing Company has been on the scene in various forms since 1995. In recent years, a rebranding and an uptick in limited release modern styles has seen renewed popularity in the brewery. Now, it appears Flying Fish's plans for the month of March will continue this trend.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1150981797?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1150981797?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>On February 9th, Flying Fish received Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) approval for a can label for Double Fishted. According to the brewery, beginning on March 1st, Flying Fish will be releasing Double Fishted in the Tasting Room with distribution shortly thereafter. Label art for Double Fishted lists it as an 8.3% ABV Double IPA. Text on the label reads, "Is that a fish holding two cans of this Double IPA, with a picture of himself on the label, and so on, into perpetuity? There's a lot of uncertainty in the world, but we're sure you'll find this Double IPA to be juicy. Maybe you'll need two."</p>
<p>When we reached out to Flying Fish for details, the brewery told us that "<span>Double Fishted will be a limited release beer and will be heading out for distro to stores in 4-pack cans and draft. It is brewed with Citra, Warrior, Centennial, Simcoe, Azacca, Cascade and Huemelon hops."</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1151233135?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1151233135?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>In addition to the release of Double Fishted, the brewery is also planning two variety pack releases in the month of March - Variety 15 and Farmhouse 15. Each offering will include 3 cans of 5 different beers. Variety 15 will include cans of Hopfish, Outside IPA, Onshore Lager, XPA and Flying Fish's newest release, Salt &amp; Sea, a session sour with strawberry and lime. It was not immediately clear what offerings would be part of the Farmhouse 15 pack.</span></p>
<p><span>According to the brewery, the variety packs "will be hitting stores March 1st and we're having a March 15th 15 pack celebration at the tasting room too."<br/><br/></span></p>
<p></p>Review: Plasencia 146 Cosechatag:cigarfederation.com,2019-02-16:6432777:BlogPost:3862222019-02-16T04:47:03.000Z007MI6http://cigarfederation.com/profile/JeradJohnston
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1085986060?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1085986060?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650"></img></a></b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Plasencia 146 Cosecha La Vega</b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Size:</b> 5.25 x 52</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Vitola:</b> Robusto Gordo</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Wrapper:</b> Honduras…</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1085986060?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1085986060?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" class="align-center"/></a></b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Plasencia 146 Cosecha La Vega</b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Size:</b> 5.25 x 52</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Vitola:</b> Robusto Gordo</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Wrapper:</b> Honduras</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Binder:</b> Nicaragua</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Filler: </b>Honduras/Nicaragua</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Factory:</b> Placencia Cigars SA (Nicaragua)</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>MSRP:</b> $10.80</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Cigars smoked for review:</b> 1</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Cigars for review provided by:</b> Plasencia Cigars</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>The Plasencia company dates back 152 years, to 1865. This Plasencia 146 Cosecha celebrates a particular tobacco crop, not the company’s anniversary. Cosecha translates to ‘harvest’ and this cigar came from the ’11-’12 crop, which is its 146th crop.</span></p>
<p><span>Cosecha 146 was the first cigar to be introduced from the Cosecha series, which was created to commemorate the Plasencia family’s first-ever tobacco harvest in 1865 in Cuba. It is available in five vitolas:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span>La Musica (5 x 50) - $9.90 (Boxes of 20, $198)</span></li>
<li><span>La Vega (5 1/4 x 52) - $10.80 (Boxes of 20, $216)</span></li>
<li><span>San Luis (5 3/4 x 54) - $12.15 (Boxes of 20, $243)</span></li>
<li><span>San Agustin(6 1/4 x 52) - $12.15 (Boxes of 20, $243)</span></li>
<li><span>Monte Carlo (6 x 58) - $12.60 (Boxes of 20, $252)</span></li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p><span><b>Prelight:</b> The Honduran wrapper has a lot of potent, nice aromas. A musty earth aroma hits up front, with some sweet, citrus notes coming through next. The foot has a sweet honey and granola aroma, with the sweet orange citrus as well. A cold draw reveals a musty note, cedar, citrus, and a white pepper burn. So many vibrant flavors, and I haven’t even lit up yet.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1086004554?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1086004554?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span><b>Beginning:</b> The Plasencia 146 Cosecha starts off with an herby (not sure on that words existence, lol) and somewhat vegetal note. The finish is creamy at first, but turns dry and spicy at the end. The smoke is thick and white, and lingers in the air, which is always entertaining. About halfway through this third, the herb and vegetal notes fade out and a smokey, cedar and cocoa profile takes over. Retrohaling is relatively easy on the nose, with just a slight burn. Burn is dead on, with no issues.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1086044319?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1086044319?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span><b>Middle:</b> The cedar flavor takes over in this third. The herb and vegetal notes are gone and the cocoa has faded back. The finish is dry, yet creamy, just as it was before, but the spice has left. The retrohale is stronger here, with a definite nose burn, but it also really helps the citrus note shine. It also makes the cedar creamier, and adds a little spice. Smoke still pours from the Plasencia 146 Cosecha and the burn has no issues.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1086059854?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1086059854?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span><b>End:</b> The final third has a solid cedar profile. It is mostly a sweet cedar, but there is the occasional spicy cedar note. The smoke thins out here, but the burn and ash remain spot on. Interestingly enough, the final profile also has a real similarity to pipe tobacco.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1086070523?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1086070523?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span><b>Final Thoughts:</b> The construction on this cigar was top notch. The burn was spot on and I never had to touch up or relight. The flavor profile was enjoyable and never harsh, which is nice. So, this is a very solid cigar, but for me there are just a few other cigars that I prefer. I could see this being a box or box split for someone else.</span></p>
<p><span><b>Rating:</b> 5 pack</span></p>Cigar News: Jessi Flores Leaves Drew Estate/Subculture Studiostag:cigarfederation.com,2019-02-14:6432777:BlogPost:3862172019-02-14T16:33:38.000ZTrippopolishttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/TrippWaldrop
<p><strong>February 14, 2019--</strong>Drew Estate, a global manufacturer and distributor of premium cigars announced today that Jessi Flores, Director<strong> </strong>of Subculture Studios, is leaving the company to pursue new business ventures.</p>
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<p>Jessi is a twenty-year veteran, having joined Drew Estate in 1999 after founder Jonathan Drew discovered his unique style of street art on the walls of Estelí, Nicaragua. During his tenure, Mr. Flores has been a driving force behind the…</p>
<p><strong>February 14, 2019--</strong>Drew Estate, a global manufacturer and distributor of premium cigars announced today that Jessi Flores, Director<strong> </strong>of Subculture Studios, is leaving the company to pursue new business ventures.</p>
<br />
<p>Jessi is a twenty-year veteran, having joined Drew Estate in 1999 after founder Jonathan Drew discovered his unique style of street art on the walls of Estelí, Nicaragua. During his tenure, Mr. Flores has been a driving force behind the growth of Subculture Studios, the well-recognized and often-awarded art studio of Drew Estate.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1059651233?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1059651233?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>“<em>My years at Drew Estate have been incredible, and I am so proud to have played a role with our employees, our customers and our loyal fans to make Drew Estate the best company in the cigar business,</em>” said Flores. “<em>The most special part of the experience has been working with the many artists of Subculture Studios, and seeing them grow as artists, as people, and as friends. I know that I leave Subculture in great hands, and that it will continue to create innovative and beautiful art for Drew Estate. I want to thank everyone at Drew Estate and all fans of Subculture Studios for an unbelievable twenty-year ride together. I especially want to thank Jonathan Drew for taking a chance on a young street artist. Now is the right time for me to pursue new opportunities.</em>”</p>
<p>“<em>Beyond building Subculture Studios into a game changing artistic workshop, Jessi’s creative spirit and extraordinary artistic talent have been a centerpiece in the culture of Drew Estate itself</em>,” said Jonathan Drew, Founder and President of Drew Estate. “<em>After so many years of singular focus, we understand Jessi’s need to expand his scope of creativity and explore new ventures.</em>” </p>
<p>Drew Estate CEO Glenn C. Wolfson added, “<em>It is a testament to Jessi’s many years of focus and hard work that he is able to move forward at this time in his career knowing that his legacy at Subculture Studios will be well protected by the marvelous cadre of artists that he personally recruited and trained over the years. We are pleased to announce that Richard “Dog” Diaz, will be taking over responsibility for the creative design work of Subculture, and Marvin Montoya, will be taking over responsibility for artwork production and logistics. Both Dog and Marvin have been key artists and leaders at Subculture for many years, and we have total confidence that their experience and skill sets will keep Subculture producing show stopping art for years to come.</em>” </p>
<p>“<em>The entire team at Drew Estate is thankful for Jessi’s valuable contributions to the growth of the company since its early years,</em>” said Wolfson. “<em>He will always be a part of the fabric of Drew Estate, and we wish him the very best as he embarks upon his journey into new business ventures.</em>”</p>Cigar News: Jas Sum Kral Shipping Tyrannical Buc This Apriltag:cigarfederation.com,2019-02-13:6432777:BlogPost:3859262019-02-13T17:00:00.000ZTrippopolishttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/TrippWaldrop
<p><strong>February 13, 2019--</strong>Jas Sum Kral Cigars has announced that the upcoming Tyrannical Buc, which was announced in January, will be shipping to retailers this April. <br></br> <a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1043422109?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1043422109?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640"></img></a> <em>"Fresh from the gifted intellect of creator Riste Ristevski, this first-rate cigar yields a true power house blend of entrancing flavors and palate-pleasing complexity…</em></p>
<p><strong>February 13, 2019--</strong>Jas Sum Kral Cigars has announced that the upcoming Tyrannical Buc, which was announced in January, will be shipping to retailers this April. <br/> <a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1043422109?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1043422109?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" class="align-center"/></a><em>"Fresh from the gifted intellect of creator Riste Ristevski, this first-rate cigar yields a true power house blend of entrancing flavors and palate-pleasing complexity perfectly suitable for veteran smokers. For those of you about to treat yourself to this smokable JSK delicacy, prepare for a cigar that packs a punch so draconian, even Ivan the Terrible <span class="">cowers</span> under its hazy clouds."</em></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1043505675?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1043505675?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>JSK has also detailed the blend and sizes for the upcoming release:</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong class="">Blend info</strong><span> </span><br class=""/><span><strong>Wrapper:</strong> Broadleaf Maduro</span><br class=""/><span><strong>Binder:</strong> Jalapa </span><br class=""/><strong>Filler: </strong><span>Condega, </span><span>Pennsylvania, </span><span>Esteli </span><br class=""/><span>Double Ligero Blend </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>Size Price /MSRP </strong><br class=""/><br class=""/>Magnum 48 4x48 $9.00 <br class=""/>Generosos 5.5x40 $8.20 <br class=""/>Dobles 6.5x50 $10.50 <br class=""/>Golem Buc 5.5x60 $11.50 <br class=""/></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span>Lastly, the company briefly teased that a Connecticut Shade version of the Tyrannical Buc will be released at IPCPR 2019.</span></p>Booze News: Two Ton Brewing To Can Do What's In Your Hearttag:cigarfederation.com,2019-02-13:6432777:BlogPost:3860182019-02-13T14:05:43.000ZMatt Rosshttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/MattRosenthal
<p>Two Ton Brewing has been contract brewing since 2015, but it wasn't until October of 2018 that the brewery firmly established permanent residence in Kenilworth, New Jersey. Since opening, Two Ton has been working on furthering their distribution model, and, according to a filing with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), we have insight into the next can offering we might see from Two Ton.…</p>
<p></p>
<p>Two Ton Brewing has been contract brewing since 2015, but it wasn't until October of 2018 that the brewery firmly established permanent residence in Kenilworth, New Jersey. Since opening, Two Ton has been working on furthering their distribution model, and, according to a filing with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), we have insight into the next can offering we might see from Two Ton.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1042419990?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1042419990?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>On February 7th, Two Ton received TTB approval for a can label for Do What's In Your Heart. Do What's In Your Heart is a 5.8% ABV New England-style IPA. Do What's In Your Heart debuted on draft in the taproom in December, and is profiled as a "<span>Double dry hopped NE style IPA with Belma, Idaho 7, Nugget, and El Dorado."</span></p>
<p><span>When we reached out to Two Ton for further details, the brewery informed us that Do What's In Your Heart "should be in available in cans within the next month or two."</span></p>Cigar News: Mombacho Cigars Restructures Marketing Teamtag:cigarfederation.com,2019-02-11:6432777:BlogPost:3862152019-02-11T23:01:00.000ZTrippopolishttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/TrippWaldrop
<p><strong>February 11, 2019--</strong>The Granada based premium boutique cigar manufacturer announced<br></br>today a management restructuring after Mombacho Cigars, S.A. and Rob Rasmussen, Brand Manager, made the joint decision to end their work relationship effective February 11, 2019. Jaxsears Inc. will now lead Mombacho’s marketing activities while Rob Rasmussen will continue pursuing other professional interests.…</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>February 11, 2019--</strong>The Granada based premium boutique cigar manufacturer announced<br/>today a management restructuring after Mombacho Cigars, S.A. and Rob Rasmussen, Brand Manager, made the joint decision to end their work relationship effective February 11, 2019. Jaxsears Inc. will now lead Mombacho’s marketing activities while Rob Rasmussen will continue pursuing other professional interests.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1029911774?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1029911774?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" class="align-center"/></a><br/>“<em>I have loved every minute of my time with the Mombacho family,</em>” said Rasmussen. “<em>I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside one of the best teams in the business. Thank you to Claudio, Markus, Cam and Mo. I will always cherish the memories of working with this amazing group</em>.”</p>
<p></p>
<p>Rob started with Mombacho Cigars in November of 2016 when he took over the company’s marketing efforts in the US and abroad. Mombacho Cigars has seen strong growth in the US and worldwide markets with Rasmussen on board.</p>
<p><br/>“<em>Rob has been an invaluable part of the Mombacho Family since he joined us back in 2016</em>,” said Claudio Sgroi,<br/>President and Master Blender of Mombacho Cigars. “<em>He has taken the Mombacho brand a long way in a very short amount of time and we appreciate everything he did for this company. I am sad to see him leave, but I know he will find great success wherever his career path takes him.</em>”</p>
<p><br/>Sgroi continued, "<em>On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank Rob for his dedicated service to Mombacho during the fastest growth time of our company. I would also like to express our excitement about having Jaclyn Sears and the </em><em>expertise she brings to the Mombacho family.</em>"</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>ABOUT MOMBACHO CIGARS</strong><br/>Mombacho Cigars S.A. is a Granada, Nicaragua based premium boutique cigar manufacturer established in 2006 that entered the US market in 2013. The international interest in Mombacho has grown rapidly and Mombacho cigars are now available in Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Switzerland and Trinidad and Tobago. Mombacho produces all of its products at its factory in Granada, Casa Favilli, where over 30 members of the Mombacho Family work.</p>
<p>For more information, contact Claudio Sgroi, President and Master Blender of Mombacho Cigars, at claudio@mombachocigars.com.</p>Booze News: Icarus Brewing Co., Dark City Brewing Company and Last Wave Brewing Co. Collaborate on Jersey Triadtag:cigarfederation.com,2019-02-11:6432777:BlogPost:3860162019-02-11T16:30:00.000ZMatt Rosshttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/MattRosenthal
<p>We've recently announced the news of a <a href="http://cigarfederation.com/profiles/blogs/booze-news-icarus-brewing-company-releasing-heavy-reel-collab" target="_self">collaboration</a> between Lakewood, NJ's Icarus Brewing Co and Seaside Heights' Heavy Reel Brewing Company, but that is not the only big Icarus collaboration debuting this week. According to Jason Goldstein, owner and head brewer at Icarus, the brewery is working with Asbury Park's Dark City Brewing Company and Point Pleasant…</p>
<p>We've recently announced the news of a <a href="http://cigarfederation.com/profiles/blogs/booze-news-icarus-brewing-company-releasing-heavy-reel-collab" target="_self">collaboration</a> between Lakewood, NJ's Icarus Brewing Co and Seaside Heights' Heavy Reel Brewing Company, but that is not the only big Icarus collaboration debuting this week. According to Jason Goldstein, owner and head brewer at Icarus, the brewery is working with Asbury Park's Dark City Brewing Company and Point Pleasant Beach's Last Wave Brewing Co on a very interesting collaboration project - Jersey Triad.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1027986184?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1027986184?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>Goldstein tells us for Jersey Triad, each brewery "<span>brewed the same base North East IPA recipe and then put our own tweaks on them." The Icarus variant is a 7.9% ABV Brux Imperial IPA that is profiled as "Heavily Oated and Wheated Imperial India Pale Ale brewed with Saccharomyces "Brux" Trois and Lactose. Copiously dry hopped with Zeus, Lupulin Citra, and New Zealand Motueka."</span></p>
<p><span>Goldstein informed us that "Dark City Kettle Soured their variant, and Last Wave brewed it as a "Brut" IPA." Icarus is planning on releasing their version on Wednesday, and indicated that each brewery will "have releases through the week."</span></p>
<p><span>Stephen Bohacik, owner and head brewer at Dark City, told us that Dark City's variant "is kettle soured with our kettle culture, then fermented like normal with our house yeast." Dark City's variant will be released on Thursday.</span></p>
<p><span>Nick Jiorle, owner and brewer at Last Wave, told us that Last Wave "used Brut-style fermentation practices to lower the final gravity of the beer to make it supremely dry, crisp, and easy to drink, but still with that delightful fruity aroma and flavor you get from that hop combination." Last Wave's variant will be released on Saturday.</span></p>
<p><strong>Updated 2/11 1:20pm to reflect comments from Dark City's Stephen Bohacik.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Updated 2/12 10:55am to reflect comments from Last Wave's Nick Jiorle.</strong></p>Booze News: Icarus Brewing Company Releasing Heavy Reel Collab, Just Wing Ittag:cigarfederation.com,2019-02-11:6432777:BlogPost:3859232019-02-11T16:00:00.000ZMatt Rosshttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/MattRosenthal
<p>Back in late December 2017, Lakewood, NJ's Icarus Brewing Company released a collaboration with Seaside Heights' Heavy Reel Brewing Company called Bay Dreamer that was later canned and released by Icarus. Now, it appears that the two breweries are working on releasing another collaboration - Just Wing It.</p>
<p>In September 2018, Heavy Reel debuted Just Wing It on draft in their tap room. Listed as a 7.5% ABV Milk Stout, Heavy Reel profiled this collaboration with Icarus as "<span>jam…</span></p>
<p>Back in late December 2017, Lakewood, NJ's Icarus Brewing Company released a collaboration with Seaside Heights' Heavy Reel Brewing Company called Bay Dreamer that was later canned and released by Icarus. Now, it appears that the two breweries are working on releasing another collaboration - Just Wing It.</p>
<p>In September 2018, Heavy Reel debuted Just Wing It on draft in their tap room. Listed as a 7.5% ABV Milk Stout, Heavy Reel profiled this collaboration with Icarus as "<span>jam packed with four different roasted malts and a huge addition of lactose and oats [that was aged] on chocolate and cinnamon coffee beans [post-fermentation]."</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1027880574?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1027880574?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>Now, according to Jason Goldstein, owner and head brewer at Icarus, we are set to see Just Wing It released in cans this Friday. According to the label art, Just Wing It has evolved to a 6.6% ABV Milk Stout that Goldstein tells us "is a heavily roasted and oated Lactose Stout with a generous amount of Coffee from Happy Mug Roasters and Vanilla Bean." </span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://happymugcoffee.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Happy Mug Coffee</a> is an outfit out of Edinboro, Pa. When we asked Goldstein about the connection to Happy Mug, he told us, "We drink entirely too much of their coffee. If you love super obscure but phenomenal bean blends, they're who to talk to. We don't have any personal relationship but they're willing to roast it fresh and crush it to our exact specifications for us which makes them easy to work with."</span></p>
<p><span>Representatives from Heavy Reel confirmed they will be at Icarus for the release on Friday.</span></p>Booze News: Kane Brewing Company Set to Release Horus Collab, A Bird To Explore All Shorestag:cigarfederation.com,2019-02-11:6432777:BlogPost:3859212019-02-11T15:30:00.000ZMatt Rosshttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/MattRosenthal
<p>What do you get when you take, arguably, New Jersey's best brewery and add in one of the top barrel-aging programs in the world? According to a filing on February 7th with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), you get A Bird To Explore All Shores.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Baw9gSRh5TR/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1027644776?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>On October 27, 2017, Ocean Township, New Jersey's Kane Brewing Company…</p>
<p>What do you get when you take, arguably, New Jersey's best brewery and add in one of the top barrel-aging programs in the world? According to a filing on February 7th with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), you get A Bird To Explore All Shores.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Baw9gSRh5TR/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1027644776?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>On October 27, 2017, Ocean Township, New Jersey's Kane Brewing Company <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BaxN5JJBA-S/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted on Instagram</a> about brewing with Kyle from Horus Aged Ales. "<span>Today we brewed “A Bird To Explore All Shores” with Kyle from </span><a class="notranslate" href="https://www.instagram.com/horusagedales/">@horusagedales</a><span>. This is a big Imperial Stout that we’re planning to age in three different barrels; Maple Bourbon, Maple Rum and French Cognac. Look for all three version sometime fall/winter 2018. Many thanks to Kyle for a great day of brewing and sampling."</span></p>
<p><span>At the same time, Kyle from Oceanside, California's Horus Aged Ales wrote something similar on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Baw9gSRh5TR/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>. "I had such a great time brewing with Michael and the <a class="notranslate" href="https://www.instagram.com/kanebrewing/">@kanebrewing</a> crew in Ocean Township, New Jersey today...We brewed a big Imperial Stout named "A Bird To Explore All Shores!" This will be barrel aged in three different kinds of barrels: French Cognac, Maple Bourbon, and Maple Rum! I am personally geeking out about this one...very thankful to have the opportunity to brew with one of my all-time favorite brewers!!!"</span></p>
<p>With initial estimates from Kane that the beer would be available in "fall/winter 2018", TTB label approval coming on February 7th, and an Untappd listing being created on January 24th, fans are gearing up for the release in the coming days/weeks. </p>
<p>Kane declined to provide further comment at this time.</p>Cigar News: Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Hires Dave Lafferty as Vice President of Salestag:cigarfederation.com,2019-02-06:6432777:BlogPost:3862112019-02-06T18:27:24.000ZTrippopolishttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/TrippWaldrop
<p><strong>February 6th, 2019--</strong>David Lafferty has been named the future Vice President of Sales at<br></br> Dunbarton Tobacco &amp; Trust (DTT).</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/980819217?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/980819217?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640"></img></a> <br></br> Lafferty spent eleven years employed with Drew Estate in a sales position. He began his career as the New<br></br> England Sales Representative to be promoted to the East Coast Regional Sales Manager and…</p>
<p><strong>February 6th, 2019--</strong>David Lafferty has been named the future Vice President of Sales at<br/> Dunbarton Tobacco &amp; Trust (DTT).</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/980819217?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/980819217?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" class="align-center"/></a><br/> Lafferty spent eleven years employed with Drew Estate in a sales position. He began his career as the New<br/> England Sales Representative to be promoted to the East Coast Regional Sales Manager and then again, he<br/> worked his way up to become the Director of National Accounts prior to his departing in May 2018. Lafferty then<br/> served as the Executive Director of Nat Sherman International in their premium cigar division until his scheduled<br/> departure on February 28th, 2019. He will assume the responsibilities of his new position with Dunbarton Tobacco &amp; Trust on March 1st, 2019.</p>
<p><br/> “<em>Dave has a tremendous wealth of hands on experience working with retailers spanning from the smallest brick</em><br/> <em>and mortar shops to the very largest of accounts in the US market,</em>” states Steve Saka, Founder and Co-Owner of DTT. He continues, “<em>I have no doubt he is going to prove to be tremendous addition to our team, but not solely because of his sales and management experience, but because of who he is as a person. Dave is hard working, down to earth, forthright and just an honest to goodness great guy. He is a rare breed in our business and Cindy and I could not be more pleased in our welcoming him to be an integral part of our small family business. I honestly cannot think of a single person that would be better suited for this position.</em>”</p>
<p><br/> Lafferty adds, “<em>I started my career working with Steve in 2007 and I am very excited to be back working with him</em><br/> <em>again. I have witnessed Steve’s creative genius, skills as a master blender of the very best cigars and unbridled</em><br/> <em>passion first hand. He is known to be tough and difficult at times, but it is always with the goal of producing</em><br/> <em>exceptional cigars.</em>” He adds, “<em>I want to thank Steve and Cindy for this incredible and exciting opportunity. I</em><br/> <em>believe the future for all of us together is very bright.</em>”</p>
<p><br/> Upon hearing this Saka quipped, “<em>Haaa… so bright! He won’t need sunglasses, he will need a flipp’n welding</em><br/> <em>mask!</em>”</p>
<p><br/> <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">About Dunbarton Tobacco &amp; Trust</span></strong><br/> Established in 2015, the family held Dunbarton Tobacco &amp; Trust was created to craft and distribute the very<br/> finest, traditional handmade puros. The company’s mantra is “Puros Sin Compromiso” aka “Cigar without<br/> Compromise” is not just a saying, but a personal promise from its founder Steve Saka to cigar aficionados. Within their portfolio exists Sobremesa, Mi Querida, Todos Las Dias, Umbagog, Muestra de Saka and Sin Compromiso – each brand awarded numerous awards and accolades including the 2018 Company of the Year and the 2018 #1 Cigar of the Year. For more information, please visit: <a href="http://www.dunbartoncigars.com">www.dunbartoncigars.com</a>.</p>Booze News: Wet Ticket Brewing Registers Label for Rahway or the Highwaytag:cigarfederation.com,2019-02-06:6432777:BlogPost:3860072019-02-06T16:00:33.000ZMatt Rosshttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/MattRosenthal
<p>As the federal government shutdown has ended, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is open and approving label registrations for small breweries throughout the country. Wet Ticket Brewing in Rahway, NJ has jumped quickly back on the bandwagon with approval from the TTB coming on January 31st for a label for a new beer - Rahway or the Highway.…</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/979122754?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/979122754?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>As the federal government shutdown has ended, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is open and approving label registrations for small breweries throughout the country. Wet Ticket Brewing in Rahway, NJ has jumped quickly back on the bandwagon with approval from the TTB coming on January 31st for a label for a new beer - Rahway or the Highway.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/979122754?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/979122754?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>According the the label, Rahway or the Highway is an 8.8% ABV Imperial Porter. According to the label art, Rahway or the Highway is "a complex, velvety smooth, robust porter conditioned on Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans and flaked coconut." Rahway or the Highway will be available in 16oz cans.</p>
<p>Requests for details were not immediately returned by Wet Ticket.</p>Cigar News: Atabey Updates Packaging In Response To Counterfeitingtag:cigarfederation.com,2019-02-05:6432777:BlogPost:3859142019-02-05T15:00:00.000ZTrippopolishttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/TrippWaldrop
<p>United Cigar, distributor of premium cigars in the United States announced today that measures have been put into place to prevent counterfeiting of their premium line from Selected Tobacco; Atabey. “Over the last year we have heard whispers of counterfeit or unbanded Atabeys” said Oliver Nivaud of United Cigars. “Regretfully, these whispers have turned into a reality and a few mislead consumers have felt the effects. Atabey is hand-rolled in Costa Rica and every cigar adorns the highly…</p>
<p>United Cigar, distributor of premium cigars in the United States announced today that measures have been put into place to prevent counterfeiting of their premium line from Selected Tobacco; Atabey. “Over the last year we have heard whispers of counterfeit or unbanded Atabeys” said Oliver Nivaud of United Cigars. “Regretfully, these whispers have turned into a reality and a few mislead consumers have felt the effects. Atabey is hand-rolled in Costa Rica and every cigar adorns the highly detailed Atabey band.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/963757564?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/963757564?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" class="align-center"/></a><br/> The world renowned Vrijdag Premium Printing in the Netherlands produces the Atabey bands, as well as all bands from Selected Tobacco including Byron and Bandolero. The bands combine a beautiful, modern design with an unmistakable gold process feature, which is more difficult to counterfeit.</p>
<p><br/> As of today, all Atabey cigars imported into the U.S. will have a secondary band at its foot to further deter counterfeit products. “<em>Atabey has never been released without its distinctive band nor are there any plans for this. The distribution of Atabey and all Selected Tobacco products are sold exclusively through United Cigars</em>” said Nivaud.</p>
<p><br/> “<em>We have taken extensive measures to stop any and all attempts of counterfeiting of our cigars</em>” stated Nelson Alfonso, owner of Selected Tobacco, “<em>and will pursue all incidences to the furthest extent of the law.</em>”</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/963773473?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/963773473?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" class="align-center"/></a><br/> United Cigars asks any consumers and retailers who purchase Atabey Cigars without a band or with any other misleading packaging to contact the company directly, either by calling United<br/> Cigars at 603.404.0016 or by e-mailing them at oliver@UnitedCigarGroup.com.</p>Booze News: Icarus Brewing Company Debuting There's Always Money In The Bullnana Stand and Licking Toadstag:cigarfederation.com,2019-02-05:6432777:BlogPost:3859162019-02-05T13:38:00.000ZMatt Rosshttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/MattRosenthal
<p>With the Federal Government's shutdown over, and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) back at work, Icarus Brewing Company in Lakewood, NJ is back to releasing some fun, new beers. </p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/967174208?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/967174208?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>On Monday, Icarus announced their collaboration with Bolero Snort - There's Always Money in the Bullnana Stand. On their Facebook post announcing the…</p>
<p>With the Federal Government's shutdown over, and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) back at work, Icarus Brewing Company in Lakewood, NJ is back to releasing some fun, new beers. </p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/967174208?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/967174208?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>On Monday, Icarus announced their collaboration with Bolero Snort - There's Always Money in the Bullnana Stand. On their Facebook post announcing the release, Icarus wrote:</p>
<p><em>Inspired by our mutual favorite dysfunctional family's Chocolate Covered Banana stand this Russian Imperial Stout was brewed with overwhelming amounts of oats, barley, cocoa powder, cocoa nibs, and wildflower honey then fermented usin<span class="text_exposed_show">g a blend of our house yeast and a traditional German Hefeweizen yeast to bring out subtle banana esters. The result is a big rich chocolatey stout featuring notes of banana and weighing in at 10.3% abv ( this one might require two sticks!) You can call this one a GOB if you want but just don't forget, There's Always Money in the Bullnana Stand!</span></em></p>
<p><em><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/967197974?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/967197974?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></span></em></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show">In addition to Bullnana, we've also learned that Icarus will be releasing Licking Toads. Licking Toads is a 6% Brux American Pale Ale. When we spoke to Jason Goldstein, owner and head brewer at Icarus, he told us, "<span>Licking Toads is a Northeast Style Pale Ale we fermented with Saccharomyces "Brux" Trois. We decided to test out a bunch of new things on the beer and loving the results including completely subbing wheat out of our Pale Ales for Spelt (a type of wheat we use in Spelt Check) as well as Zeus hops for its pungent sweet Citrus and light resin and Experimental 06297 hops which we're quickly falling in love with for its Stone Fruit, Peach, and Blueberry flavors."</span></span></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show"><span>When we commented to Goldstein our love for the Licking Toads label, he agreed noting, "Makes me want to keep doing more brux beers if we're going to keep doing trippy labels for them." </span></span></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show"><span>When asked about preparing for another government shutdown, Goldstein told us, "Think we have 20 labels submitted already Pending. Government shut down gave us the fear of god as we had to go through our backlog and change up brew schedules to make things work."</span></span></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show"><span>Both new can offerings will be available in the Icarus Taproom on Wednesday 2/6, and in limited distribution around the state.</span></span></p>
<p></p>Cigar News: Benjamin Holt Purchases Dissident Cigarstag:cigarfederation.com,2019-01-29:6432777:BlogPost:3859102019-01-29T15:56:57.000ZTrippopolishttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/TrippWaldrop
<p>January 29, 2019-- Benjamin Holt has purchased Dissident Cigars.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Benjamin Holt states, “<em>Over the past few years I have seen many cigar brands come and go. Some stopped operations due to fear of FDA regulations. Others because of failure to adapt to the changes in the market. My intent with Dissident is to learn from those lessons and utilize my experience from both the retail side and as a cigar representative to create a cigar brand for a new generation of cigar…</em></p>
<p>January 29, 2019-- Benjamin Holt has purchased Dissident Cigars.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Benjamin Holt states, “<em>Over the past few years I have seen many cigar brands come and go. Some stopped operations due to fear of FDA regulations. Others because of failure to adapt to the changes in the market. My intent with Dissident is to learn from those lessons and utilize my experience from both the retail side and as a cigar representative to create a cigar brand for a new generation of cigar smokers.</em>”</p>
<p> <a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/915804256?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/915804256?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>For the past 5 years Benjamin Holt has worked in different areas of the cigar industry to include starting off in retail at TJ’s Cigar Lounge in McGregor, Texas. In 2015, he joined Black Label Trading Co. as a sales representative assisting in expanding the brand and in the launching of their Black Works Studio line. In 2016, Black Label Trading Co. joined Boutiques Unified and Holt joined the team soon after, continuing in his role as a sales representative.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As to why he chose to purchase Dissident, he states, “I <em>have always thought that Dissident had huge potential and in time I would like to bring this brand back into the market. There are numerous objectives that need to be met first before that can happen and I am working with some incredible people to see that come to pass.</em>”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Holt will continue to be the representative for the brands distributed by LJ Zucca until further notice.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For more information contact info@smoke-dissident.com.</p>Cigar News: Smoke Inn Announces MoyaRuiz Hand Gripper As Next in Microblend Seriestag:cigarfederation.com,2019-01-26:6432777:BlogPost:3859082019-01-26T02:28:14.000ZTrippopolishttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/TrippWaldrop
<p><strong>January 25, 2019--</strong>Smoke Inn has collaborated with MoyaRuiz Cigars to introduce the 13<sup>th</sup> installment of their popular Microblend ™ Series. For this unique collaboration Smoke Inn asked MoyaRuiz Cigars for something extremely creative and unique. Some of their popular limited releases have been off the wall and even controversial , who better to ask! Their answer was simple The Hand Gripper! …</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>January 25, 2019--</strong>Smoke Inn has collaborated with MoyaRuiz Cigars to introduce the 13<sup>th</sup> installment of their popular Microblend ™ Series. For this unique collaboration Smoke Inn asked MoyaRuiz Cigars for something extremely creative and unique. Some of their popular limited releases have been off the wall and even controversial , who better to ask! Their answer was simple The Hand Gripper! </p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/885291969?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/885291969?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" class="align-center"/></a> Two cigars connected together in order to resemble an actual pair of forearm flexing hand grippers. Size of the cigar will be a 5 x 52 robusto featuring an Ecuadorian Habano oscuro wrapper with a binder and fillers from Nicaragua. Only 300 numbered boxes were produced in the La Zona factory in Esteli, Nicaragua containing 12 cigars or (6 pairs of hand grippers) at an MSRP of $99.00 per box. The Hand Gripper will be released at Smoke Inn’s annual mega cigar event, The Great Smoke <a href="http://www.thegreatsmoke.com">www.thegreatsmoke.com</a> February 16th, which will be held at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach, FL . Remaining boxes after the event will be available to the general public through their retail stores on February 18th and will be available online, <a href="http://www.smokeinn.com">www.smokeinn.com</a> at Noon EST.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/885302827?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/885302827?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>Danny Moya of Moya Ruiz Cigars, commented “<em>For us the concept was simple, let’s create something that’s never been done before. We are the only company that has a utility patent to be able to connect two cigars together so we came up with The Hand Gripper. As a small company to be a part of Smoke Inn’s Microblend™ Series is a dream come true. We are honored to join some of the great cigar companies that are part of this series. We couldn’t be more thankful to Abe and the entire Smoke Inn team for supporting us since day one</em>. “</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For more information, please contact Smoke Inn Cigars at info@smokeinn.com</p>Cigar News: Cigar Dojo Unveils Cigar Wars 2.0tag:cigarfederation.com,2019-01-24:6432777:BlogPost:3859042019-01-24T16:45:34.000ZTrippopolishttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/TrippWaldrop
<p><span><strong>January 23, 2019–</strong> The world's most fun and</span><br></br><span>addicting cigar ranking system has been re-built from the ground up,</span><br></br><span>offering a more personalized and comprehensive experience for the</span><br></br><span>cigar enthusiast.</span><br></br><br></br><span>Like the original Cigar Wars system, which first debuted in 2015, the</span><br></br><span>modernized web application presents users with a simple choice: cigar</span><br></br><span>(a) or cigar (b)... This…</span></p>
<p><span><strong>January 23, 2019–</strong> The world's most fun and</span><br/><span>addicting cigar ranking system has been re-built from the ground up,</span><br/><span>offering a more personalized and comprehensive experience for the</span><br/><span>cigar enthusiast.</span><br/><br/><span>Like the original Cigar Wars system, which first debuted in 2015, the</span><br/><span>modernized web application presents users with a simple choice: cigar</span><br/><span>(a) or cigar (b)... This represents the real-world scenario, where a</span><br/><span>smoker is offered one of two cigars at hand. Whether or not the smoker</span><br/><span>is familiar with both choices, he/she will inevitably make a</span><br/><span>choice—whatever the reason. Multiply this hypothetical scenario by</span><br/><span>thousands, or even tens or hundreds of thousands, and you end up with</span><br/><span>a truly honest, fun, and accurate cigar ranking system.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/871508024?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/871508024?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" class="align-center"/></a><br/><br/><strong>New Intelligent Features</strong><br/><br/><span>New for 2019, this system—which we like to think of as "Tinder meets</span><br/><span>IMDB"—is now tremendously more powerful. For starters, Cigar Wars</span><br/><span>voters are now encouraged to create a personalized profile. In the</span><br/><span>past, all votes were cast simply for fun, or in an attempt to help</span><br/><span>structure the overall leaderboard. With Cigar Wars 2.0, each user's</span><br/><span>votes count towards the public leaderboard, as well as—perhaps more</span><br/><span>importantly—the user's own, personalized statistics. The more a user</span><br/><span>votes on cigar battles, the more accurate the system becomes, learning</span><br/><span>from the user's voting habits to assemble personalized preferences.</span><br/><span>With live results, Cigar Wars will showcase your wrapper shade of</span><br/><span>preference (choosing between Claro, Natural, and Maduro), company,</span><br/><span>factory, strength, price range, and more.</span><br/><br/><span>Cigar Wars now lets users "favorite" individual cigars and, comparing</span><br/><span>your voting habits to other, like-minded voters, can offer up cigar</span><br/><span>recommendations based on these like-minded voter's favorite cigars.</span><br/><span>This is only the beginning for the system's intelligent results.</span><br/><span>Similar to a stock market ticker, Cigar Wars can now display trending</span><br/><span>cigars, which are those that are rising (or falling) the quickest in</span><br/><span>recent voting history. This helps users gauge which cigars are hot at</span><br/><span>any given moment.</span><br/><br/><strong>Leaderboard</strong><br/><br/><span>Perhaps the most fun aspect of any ranking system is browsing the</span><br/><span>leaderboard. The updated Cigar Wars allows users to drill-down and</span><br/><span>refine the leaderboard on a much deeper level. Top-ranked cigars can</span><br/><span>be viewed by day, week, month, year, all-time, or even live</span><br/><span>results—which is the default view. These timeframes can be used to</span><br/><span>view the highest ranked cigars by country (such as the top-ranked</span><br/><span>Cuban cigar of the day), wrapper shade, price range, and company size</span><br/><span>(see cigars only from boutique manufacturers, etc.).</span><br/><br/><span>This leaderboard is based on a popular ranking algorithm known as Elo</span><br/><span>(most famously used to rank chess players), which assigns a number of</span><br/><span>points to every cigar in the system's database. With every Cigar Wars</span><br/><span>battle, a number of points are removed from the losing cigar and and</span><br/><span>transferred to the victor. The most important attribute of this system</span><br/><span>is that it is self-correcting, taking more points from an upset battle</span><br/><span>(such as the #100 cigar beating the #10 cigar) than it would from a</span><br/><span>more evenly matched contest. In other words, the system can quickly</span><br/><span>recover from unfair voting, allowing cigars to quickly return to their</span><br/><span>rightful positions in the leaderboard. And with the newly added</span><br/><span>timeframes (cigar of the month, year, all time), we have removed extra</span><br/><span>layers of volatility, where it becomes increasingly difficult to alter</span><br/><span>the list's rankings longterm.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/871513713?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/871513713?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" class="align-center"/></a><br/><br/><strong>Cigars, Companies, &amp; Factories</strong><br/><br/><span>If the cigar battles feel eerily reminiscent of your Tinder days, the</span><br/><span>fine-tuned details that drive the CW system will have you thinking</span><br/><span>IMDB. Each individual cigar in the database can be expanded to show</span><br/><span>additional information. Users can see a quick description, as well as</span><br/><span>a cigar breakdown (blend information, cigar release year, price range,</span><br/><span>etc.), strength/body/flavor graphs, core flavor tags (chocolate,</span><br/><span>cinnamon, leather, etc.), and even a list of similar cigars, based on</span><br/><span>a cross-reference of the aforementioned attributes.</span><br/><br/><span>Every cigar is also attached to a cigar company and factory. Users can</span><br/><span>browse through a list of each, where additional information can be</span><br/><span>found on a company/factory's history and relevant highlights. And as</span><br/><span>additional cigars begin to fill out a company/factory's portfolio,</span><br/><span>Cigar Wars will show users the top-ranked cigars made by the</span><br/><span>company/factory. Not only this, but CW will also average all cigars</span><br/><span>under any given company/factory, showing the average price, body,</span><br/><span>country of origin, and more. Every company page includes a list of</span><br/><span>associated factories, meaning users can discover helpful information</span><br/><span>to guide future purchases. For example, a fan of Caldwell Cigar Co.</span><br/><span>could see that the company's cigars are produced at Tabacalera William</span><br/><span>Ventura in the Dominican Republic, Diadema Cigars de Honduras in</span><br/><span>Honduras, and La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Nicaragua. Then, when</span><br/><span>viewing any of these factory's individual pages, users are presented</span><br/><span>with each factory's top-ranked cigars—including all brands made at</span><br/><span>each factory—leading to additional cigar discovery...</span><br/><br/><strong>More to Come</strong><br/><br/><span>Cigar Wars 2.0 has been in beta for the past few months, debugging the</span><br/><span>system and helping to establish a base for the overall leaderboard and</span><br/><span>recommendations. We are now ready to launch the updated Cigar Wars on</span><br/><span>a grander scale, having 200 cigars, over 40 companies, and a handful</span><br/><span>of factories in the database. Each of these are hand-entered on a</span><br/><span>daily basis, currently offering 20,000 possible battle combinations</span><br/><span>for voters.</span><br/><br/><span>Cigar Wars 2.0 is leaps and bounds improved on its predecessor, but</span><br/><span>there is still more to be done. Future updates to Cigar Wars will see</span><br/><span>additional profile enhancements and increased recommendation accuracy,</span><br/><span>making for a dynamic tool for the active enthusiast, without losing</span><br/><span>site of the light-hearted spirit at the core of Cigar Wars.</span><br/><br/><span>Cigar Wars can be found within the Cigar Dojo app (free download</span><br/><span>through the Apple App Store &amp; Google Play), or by going to</span><br/><a href="https://cigarwars.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://cigarwars.net</a><span> on mobile and desktop devices.</span></p>Cigar News: Black Label Trading Company Merges With Emilio Cigarstag:cigarfederation.com,2019-01-23:6432777:BlogPost:3859012019-01-23T17:36:29.000ZTrippopolishttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/TrippWaldrop
<p>January 23, 2019 — Black Label Trading Company (BLTC) will take over the branding and marketing of Emilio Cigars. As part of the merger, all cigar production will move to BLTC’s own factory, Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua. The Cavatina, LJZ, Papa Joe and Grimalkin cigar lines are already produced at Fabrica Oveja Negra. Scott Zucca, owner of Emilio Cigars, will remain involved and continue distribution for both BLTC and Emilio Cigars through his distribution company L.J. Zucca…</p>
<p>January 23, 2019 — Black Label Trading Company (BLTC) will take over the branding and marketing of Emilio Cigars. As part of the merger, all cigar production will move to BLTC’s own factory, Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua. The Cavatina, LJZ, Papa Joe and Grimalkin cigar lines are already produced at Fabrica Oveja Negra. Scott Zucca, owner of Emilio Cigars, will remain involved and continue distribution for both BLTC and Emilio Cigars through his distribution company L.J. Zucca Inc., a family owned company which has been distributing tobacco and other products since 1947. <br/> <a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/861807731?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/861807731?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" class="align-center"/></a><br/> <br/> James Brown, owner of BLTC and Oveja Negra stated, <em>"I'm very excited to take the Emilio brand to the next level. I believe this merger is the natural progression of things as we have been working closely with Scott Zucca over the past few years to expand the Emilio portfolio. We have big plans for the brand and I think it will fit well with our customer base. AF1 and AF2 will be releasing from Oveja Negra in the spring with Suave to follow. The Emilio portfolio gives me a lot of new blends to work with and as a cigar maker this is what keeps me inspired.</em>"</p>Booze News: Icarus Brewing Company Debuting DDH Milking Ittag:cigarfederation.com,2019-01-14:6432777:BlogPost:3855502019-01-14T19:27:54.000ZMatt Rosshttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/MattRosenthal
<p>In June, Lakewood, NJ's Icarus Brewing Company debuted Milking It, a Lactose Northeast IIPA with Experimental Hop 09326. As Icarus kicks off their third year, the company is set to announce a DDH version of Milking It.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/758325659?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/758325659?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>DDH Milking It is an 8.1% ABV IIPA with Lactose. According to Icarus owner and head brewer, Jason Goldstein, DDH Milking It is…</p>
<p>In June, Lakewood, NJ's Icarus Brewing Company debuted Milking It, a Lactose Northeast IIPA with Experimental Hop 09326. As Icarus kicks off their third year, the company is set to announce a DDH version of Milking It.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/758325659?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/758325659?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>DDH Milking It is an 8.1% ABV IIPA with Lactose. According to Icarus owner and head brewer, Jason Goldstein, DDH Milking It is "<span>double dry hopped it with Bru-1 which is quickly becoming a house favorite hop for its overripe pineapple characteristics."</span></p>
<p><span>Goldstein was also able to confirm that DDH Milking It will "be released in house and in distribution in cans throughout the state."</span></p>
<p></p>Cigar News: Nestor Miranda Special Selection Returning This Springtag:cigarfederation.com,2019-01-14:6432777:BlogPost:3855482019-01-14T17:00:00.000ZTrippopolishttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/TrippWaldrop
<p><strong>January 14, 2019--</strong>Miami Cigar &amp; Company announced on Monday that Nestor Miranda will be reintroducing the ever popular Special Selection line to their Nicaraguan line of premium cigars, in conjunction with the celebration of their 30th anniversary of business in 2019. Originally introduced in the mid-2000's, Special Selection will once again be coming from My Father Cigars in Esteli, Nicaragua in the Habano Rosado blend. Nestor Miranda Special Selection will be offered…</p>
<p><strong>January 14, 2019--</strong>Miami Cigar &amp; Company announced on Monday that Nestor Miranda will be reintroducing the ever popular Special Selection line to their Nicaraguan line of premium cigars, in conjunction with the celebration of their 30th anniversary of business in 2019. Originally introduced in the mid-2000's, Special Selection will once again be coming from My Father Cigars in Esteli, Nicaragua in the Habano Rosado blend. Nestor Miranda Special Selection will be offered in traditional formats in the $7.00 price range.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/758870722?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/758870722?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="600" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p>"<em>2019 is going to be an exciting year</em>", said Jason Wood, MCC Vice-President. "<em>We try as much as possible not just to hear customer feedback but to act on it, and one common request was to bring Special Selection back to retail. Customers will know it the moment they see it as well because of our choice to enact very minimal adjustments to packaging and presentation. We can't wait to share the enthusiasm with cigar enthusiasts again around this line. For now, we're only bringing back the Habano Rosado, with much more to come this year in celebration of our 30th anniversary at MCC.</em>"</p>
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<p>"<em>Special Selection is going to be a celebration of Nestor's work ethic and grind</em>", added Nate McIntyre, Marketing Coordinator. "'<em>Here's to the Hustle' means something to us. We work everyday to reflect that work ethic seen in Nestor even to this day, so we wanted to offer a cigar for the every-day, hard working people out there who simply love cigars, with a price point allowing anyone to enjoy it.</em>"</p>
<p></p>
<p>Nestor Miranda Special Selection is slated for availability at retail in mid-Spring, 2019.</p>Review: Drew Estate Factory Smokes Sweettag:cigarfederation.com,2019-01-12:6432777:BlogPost:3855422019-01-12T16:30:00.000Z007MI6http://cigarfederation.com/profile/JeradJohnston
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/736284310?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/736284310?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750"></img></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Drew Estate Factory Smokes Sweet</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Size:</b> 6 x 52</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Vitola:</b> Toro</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Wrapper:</b> Habano…</span></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/736284310?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/736284310?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Drew Estate Factory Smokes Sweet</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Size:</b> 6 x 52</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Vitola:</b> Toro</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Wrapper:</b> Habano</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Binder:</b> Indonesian</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Filler: </b>Indonesian</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Factory:</b> La Gran Fabrica (Estelí)</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>MSRP:</b> $2.10</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Cigars smoked for review:</b> 1</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Cigars for review provided by: </b>Drew Estate</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><b>Quick Note:</b> <span>For this review I used</span> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://cigarfederation.com/page/how-i-rate-cigars">Cigar Federation's rating system</a></strong></p>
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<p><span><b>Prelight:</b> The leaf that makes up the wrapper is very toothy, a light chocolate brown, and has some very noticable, bumpy veins. That being said, the construction looks and feels great. The exterior has a spicy cedar aroma, with a barnyard twinge and some earthy notes, while the foot is similar, but with a slight sweetness. The cold draw is smooth and clean, with a natural tobacco note and the expected sweetness on the lips.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/736415442?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/736415442?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span><b>Beginning:</b> Once lit, the Factory Smokes Sweet shows a perfect draw and a clean burn. The tobacco is smooth, and has a lot more spice than I was expecting. The main note of this cigar is obviously the sweetness from the tip. Although, there are other notes such as, marshmallow, caramel, and sweet cream. It’s a very enjoyable smoke.</span></p>
<p><span><b>Middle:</b> The second third starts with a similar profile under the sweetness, but it changes to a more smokey profile. It remains this way throughout this third and the burn and ash are spot on.</span></p>
<p><span><b>End:</b> The final third has a little less of the sweetness now, although it is still very much present. There are slightly sweet, smokey notes of caramel and graham cracker here as well. Towards the end of this smoke, the sweetness really takes over on the tongue, with a thick, smokey finish.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/736423170?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/736423170?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span><b>Final Thoughts: </b>First, the obvious. If you don't like flavored/sweetened/tipped cigars, you won't like this cigar. Should go without saying, but sometimes it has to said. As with all the cigars so far in this line, it is an amazing bargain. It has lulls, but the good times are definitely more prevelant. Another great addition the the Factory Smokes lineup. At this price point, I would keep a fiver of these on hand, no doubt.</span></p>
<p><span><b>Rating:</b> <strong>87 </strong>AKA <strong>"5-pack"</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/736284310?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></p>Cigar News: Selected Tobaccos Ships 2013 Vintage Byron Grand Poemastag:cigarfederation.com,2019-01-12:6432777:BlogPost:3855352019-01-12T02:29:19.000ZTrippopolishttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/TrippWaldrop
<p><strong>January 11, 2019-- United Cigars</strong> began release of the 2013 vintage of the <strong>Byron 19th Century Grand Poemas</strong> on Friday. Allocations of the <strong>Grand Poemas</strong> were made as only 200 boxes were produced with this unique tobacco. All 200 boxes are offered in humidors designed by Nelson Alfonso of Selected Tobacco.…</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/730474049?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/730474049?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640"></img></a></p>
<p><strong>January 11, 2019-- United Cigars</strong> began release of the 2013 vintage of the <strong>Byron 19th Century Grand Poemas</strong> on Friday. Allocations of the <strong>Grand Poemas</strong> were made as only 200 boxes were produced with this unique tobacco. All 200 boxes are offered in humidors designed by Nelson Alfonso of Selected Tobacco.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/730474049?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/730474049?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>“<em>This is a beautifully blended cigar offering richer notes of cedar and molasses,</em>” said Oliver Nivaud, Director of Sales at United Cigars. “<em>After resting these cigars for five years, post roll, you can truly experience the complex maturity.</em>”</p>
<p></p>
<p>Masterfully blended by Nelson Alfonso, the <strong>Byron Grand Poemas</strong> filler is a blend that the chef has not offered up, however, there is Nicaraguan Viso and Peruvian Ligero united with Nelsons signature blend of tobacco, all enclosed with a rich Ecuadorian wrapper.</p>
<p></p>
<p>MSRP: $33.33 (Single Cigar) | $824.99 (25 count box)</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>United Cigars</strong>, building brands to unite every cigar lover. Our lines represent consistency and quality while not only offering cigars that “Flat Out Taste Better” but protect our loyal Brick &amp; Mortar. Live United, Buy United, Smoke United.</p>
<p></p>
<p>If you would like more information about United Cigar Group, please contact Oliver Nivaud, Director of Sales at Oliver&lt;AT&gt;UnitedCigarGroup.com</p>Cigar News: Drew Estate Ships Rerelease of Herrera Esteli Norteño Edicion Limitada Churchilltag:cigarfederation.com,2019-01-10:6432777:BlogPost:3858292019-01-10T22:28:55.000ZTrippopolishttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/TrippWaldrop
<p class="story-intro"><strong>January 10, 2019--</strong>Drew Estate announces today it is shipping the Herrera Esteli Norteño Edicion Limitada to Drew Diplomat retailers nationwide. </p>
<p class="story-intro"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/718433098?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/718433098?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640"></img></a></p>
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<p>Originally released in 2015, the Herrera Esteli Norteño showcases extensively aged tobaccos from the Estelí and Jalapa growing regions of…</p>
<p class="story-intro"><strong>January 10, 2019--</strong>Drew Estate announces today it is shipping the Herrera Esteli Norteño Edicion Limitada to Drew Diplomat retailers nationwide. </p>
<p class="story-intro"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/718433098?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/718433098?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p>Originally released in 2015, the Herrera Esteli Norteño showcases extensively aged tobaccos from the Estelí and Jalapa growing regions of Nicaragua, coupled with a spicy Honduran binder and a rich, bold Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper. This year’s release features cigars rolled in 2016 aged two years using the original molds from the initial production. Packaged in 15 count boxes, this 7 x 48 box pressed Churchill features a modified blend of the original Norteño allowing for a smoother and complex smoke.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/718437205?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/718437205?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>From Little Havana in Miami, Master Blender Willy Herrera notes, “<em>The Norteño Edicion Limitada continues to be one of my favorite projects at Drew Estate. This cigar showcases the complexity in the blending process, requiring tweaks of the classic Norteño blend to really shine in the Churchill Vitola.</em>”<br/><br/></p>
<p>The Herrera Esteli Norteño Edicion Limitada Churchill is available in 15 count boxes with an MSRP of $217.96. </p>Cigar News: Espinosa Launches Crema Rabitotag:cigarfederation.com,2019-01-09:6432777:BlogPost:3855242019-01-09T22:00:00.000ZTrippopolishttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/TrippWaldrop
<p class=""><span class=""><strong>January 9, 2019--</strong>Espinosa Cigars officially announced the Crema Rabito will become the fourth vitola, and first line extension within the Crema. </span></p>
<p class=""><span class="">The cigar was teased on Facebook Live, Tuesday, January 8, 2019 and is now available to retailers as of today. </span></p>
<p class=""><span class=""> …</span></p>
<p class=""><span class=""><strong>January 9, 2019--</strong>Espinosa Cigars officially announced the Crema Rabito will become the fourth vitola, and first line extension within the Crema. </span></p>
<p class=""><span class="">The cigar was teased on Facebook Live, Tuesday, January 8, 2019 and is now available to retailers as of today. </span></p>
<p class=""><span class=""> <a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/707785619?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/707785619?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="400" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p class=""><span class="">The Espinosa Crema line was launched in 2016 with a milder profile in mind. Made at the company’s La Zona factory, the Espinosa Crema uses a Connecticut Shade wrapper from Ecuador over Nicaraguan binder and fillers. The Crema Rabito now joins the original three sizes: Robusto (5 1/2 x 52), Toro Grande (6 x 56), and Churchill (7 x 48).</span></p>
<p class=""><span class=""> </span></p>
<p class=""><span class="">The Crema has served as our gateway cigar. Something that has appealed to those interested in the brand but considered that we might not have something in our repertoire for them to try. Fortunately, it has done very well, becoming a fan favorite, and we wanted to provide a smaller ring gauge to the lineup.</span></p>
<p class=""><span class=""> </span></p>
<p class=""><span class="">The Crema Rabito, is 6 x 46, Corona Grande, capped with a small pigtail. The Crema is available in 10 Count boxes, and will be sold for $84.00 a box (MSRP $8.40 a stick). </span></p>Booze News: Icarus Brewing Company Gearing Up for Second Anniversary; Will Debut Vlad To Be Heretag:cigarfederation.com,2019-01-07:6432777:BlogPost:3855222019-01-07T15:30:00.000ZMatt Rosshttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/MattRosenthal
<p>Lakewood, NJ's Icarus Brewing Company has <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/226412614902144/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">announced their Second Anniversary Party</a> for this Saturday, January 12 beginning at noon. Icarus announced that they will have three different Anniversary cans available as well as BA Bottle offerings. They will be announcing releases throughout the week leading up to Saturday's party, but we caught up with Icarus Owner and Head Brewer Jason Goldstein this…</p>
<p>Lakewood, NJ's Icarus Brewing Company has <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/226412614902144/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced their Second Anniversary Party</a> for this Saturday, January 12 beginning at noon. Icarus announced that they will have three different Anniversary cans available as well as BA Bottle offerings. They will be announcing releases throughout the week leading up to Saturday's party, but we caught up with Icarus Owner and Head Brewer Jason Goldstein this morning to get insight into the first announcement.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/686306226?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/686306226?profile=original&amp;width=750" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>Inspired by <span>Kalashnikov, Vlad To Be Here is a "big Russian Imperial Stout" according to Goldstein. Coming in at 14.5% ABV, Goldstein tells us that Vlad To Be Here is conditioned "with Mexican Coffee and Madagascar Vanilla Bean as well as adding Cinnamon on the hotside." Label art for Vlad To Be Here also states that it is brewed with Wildflower Honey and Brown Sugar.</span></p>
<p><span>Goldstein continued that Icarus will "be announcing Anniversary beers throughout the week." Vlad To Be Here will "be one of 5 new beers on tap Saturday." When asked about distribution, Goldstein indicated that there would be "plenty of cans" for those attending the Anniversary Party, and he added that "very key accounts will see very limited distro of each of the anniversary cans/kegs."</span></p>
<p></p>Cigar News: Espinosa Hires Jack Toraño As Director Of Salestag:cigarfederation.com,2019-01-02:6432777:BlogPost:3858102019-01-02T18:47:43.000ZTrippopolishttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/TrippWaldrop
<p class=""><strong>January 02, 2019--</strong>Espinosa Premium Cigars is proud to announce that Jack <span class="">Toraño</span> has joined the company as its new Director of Sales, effective January 2nd, 2019. </p>
<p class=""><br class=""></br></p>
<p class=""><em>“I’ve known Jack for years, he will bring a different dynamic to the company and having him on board is a perfect fit for us. Jack will be a huge asset, traveling the country, promoting the brand, reaching new customers and growing…</em></p>
<p class=""><strong>January 02, 2019--</strong>Espinosa Premium Cigars is proud to announce that Jack <span class="">Toraño</span> has joined the company as its new Director of Sales, effective January 2nd, 2019. </p>
<p class=""><br class=""/></p>
<p class=""><em>“I’ve known Jack for years, he will bring a different dynamic to the company and having him on board is a perfect fit for us. Jack will be a huge asset, traveling the country, promoting the brand, reaching new customers and growing existing accounts</em>", said company president Erik Espinosa.</p>
<p class=""><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/629426679?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/629426679?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a><br class=""/><br class=""/></p>
<p class="">“<em>This is definitely the right move for us, we have been waiting to fill this spot, and I am very excited about what Jack brings to the table</em>”, added company vice-president Erik Espinosa Jr. </p>
<p class=""><br class=""/></p>
<p class="">Jack <span class="">Toraño</span> added, "<em>It’s no secret that I’ve been a big fan of Erik and Espinosa Cigars for a long time. We came close to collaborating on a cigar in 2014 and I’ve always remained very close to the Espinosa Team. Working for Espinosa Cigars is something I’ve thought about for years. The time has finely arrived and I’m so excited about this new chapter in my life and look forward to helping continue to grow this wonderful brand.</em>"</p>
<p class=""><br class=""/></p>
<p class="">“<em>This is a great time for our company. I am very excited about this move because Jack brings us immediate customer credibility and another strong sales presence alongside Erik's. His rapport with consumers, as well with, sales staff will be very impactful. I am very excited about 2019, very excited</em>", says Hector Alfonso Sr.</p>
<p class=""><br class=""/></p>
<p class="">Jack will be traveling throughout the country and overseeing Espinosa Reps and Brokers; as well as, coordinating cigar events and festivals nationwide.</p>Davidoff Announces Limited Edition Winston Churchill Late Hour With Matching Accessoriestag:cigarfederation.com,2019-01-02:6432777:BlogPost:3858082019-01-02T18:38:24.000ZTrippopolishttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/TrippWaldrop
<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span><strong>Jan 02, 2019--</strong>Davidoff Cigars proudly releases another complex multi-origin blend within its Winston Churchill cigar range. The beautiful Robusto cigar with tobaccos from Nicaragua, Mexico and the Dominican Republic will be available for a limited time only and will be released along with limited edition accessories leveraging one of Sir Winston’s multiple facets of character – The Traveller.…</span></p>
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<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span><strong>Jan 02, 2019--</strong>Davidoff Cigars proudly releases another complex multi-origin blend within its Winston Churchill cigar range. The beautiful Robusto cigar with tobaccos from Nicaragua, Mexico and the Dominican Republic will be available for a limited time only and will be released along with limited edition accessories leveraging one of Sir Winston’s multiple facets of character – The Traveller. In addition, the brand will launch its first Duty Free exclusive limited edition, featuring five of the limited edition cigars in a special format and packaging.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/629275830?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/629275830?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>“<em>After the successful launch of the Winston Churchill “The Original Collection” in 2014, and the great success of the more intense “The Late Hour” line, with the industry’s first, unique scotch cask-aged blend, our Master Blenders have taken on the challenge to create another complex multi-origin blend inspired by Winston Churchill’s rich character.</em>” says Sybille Johner, Head of Brand Marketing at Oettinger Davidoff AG. “<em>Sir Winston was an explorer, a Traveller, all the time widening his horizons, exploring new places and trying new things. We wanted this limited edition to celebrate this facet of his character and our Master Blenders have done an amazing job at crafting a beautiful, extremely balanced Robusto cigar that will take aficionados on an exciting sensory journey</em>”.</span></p>
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<div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The limited edition cigars</span></strong></p>
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<div class="page" title="Page 2"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span>The Traveller cigar is crafted in a beautiful Robusto 50 x 5 format, providing multi-layered notes of wood and earth at the start, soon followed by sweet and spicy flavours. In the second-third, palate- pleasing stimulations of sweet creaminess develop, with elegant notes of coffee, leather and hints of cinnamon spice, along with notes of pepper and nuts in the retro-hale. The cigar ends with intensified complex aromas of wood and leather, complemented by salted caramel notes. A delightful taste experience inspired by Winston Churchill’s rich character and the key places that marked the man’s life.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/629292909?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/629292909?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>Limited to 8,000 boxes worldwide, the Robusto cigars come in beautiful boxes inspired by leather travel cases, and include a Boveda humidification device that turns them into travel humidors that will allow aficionados to embark their favourite cigars on their next journey.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/629297494?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/629297494?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>The icon applied to the cigar boxes reflects some of the key places that marked Sir Winston Churchill’s path: cities like London and Washington that built the Commander and the Statesman and places that inspired his art like Marrakesh.</span></p>
<p><span>This icon is also applied to the 4,500 limited edition packs of five Corona cigars, available exclusively at select Duty Free locations worldwide. While strength and flavours are the same as for the Robusto format, the aromas are slightly more intense due to the smaller ring gauge.</span></p>
<p><span>The Traveller limited edition is perfect for those looking for a complex, yet balanced cigar experience.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper:</strong> Dominican Republic</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Binder: </strong>Negro San Andrés from Mexico</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Filler:</strong> Piloto Mejorado Visus, Criollo Seco and San Vicente Mejorado Visus from the Dominican Republic, Estelí Visus and Semilla A Visus from Nicaragua</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Format: </strong>Robusto 50 x 5<br/> Corona 43 x 5 (Duty Free exclusive)</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The limited edition accessories</strong></span></p>
<p><span>Along with the limited edition cigars, Davidoff is also releasing two humidors, an ashtray, a cutter and a cigar case celebrating Winston Churchill’s passion for traveling.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/629352009?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/629352009?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>The humidors come in two popular sizes, Ambassador for 70 to 80 cigars and Primos for up to 35 cigars, and are made of reconstituted wood that is broken down and then reassembled to reveal new textures and colours for a unique look. They both carry the new Winston Churchill silhouette that highlights the places Sir Winston used to travel to.</span></p>
<p><span>The limited and numbered ashtray also features the beautiful icon as the key design element. Created in a French atelier in Limoges, the large ashtray is an eye-catching table masterpiece for two cigars.</span></p>
<p><span>The double blade cutter is made of stainless steel and will allow aficionados to evenly cut cigars with ring gauges from 22 to 58. The pieces are made in Germany and carry the iconic Winston Churchill silhouette, as well as passport stamps featuring Churchill’s destinations of choice.</span></p>
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<div class="page" title="Page 3"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span>Stamps, souvenirs from treasured locations are subtlety laser engraved on the XL-2 cigar leather case, completing the limited edition accessories collection.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Launch &amp; Availability</strong></span></p>
<p><span>From January 2019*, the Davidoff Winston Churchill Limited Edition cigars and accessories will be available at select Davidoff Appointed Merchants and Flagship Stores.</span></p>
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</div>
</div>Cigar Federation Top 25 of 2018tag:cigarfederation.com,2018-12-28:6432777:BlogPost:3857012018-12-28T15:00:00.000ZTrippopolishttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/TrippWaldrop
<p><em><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/542631806?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/542631806?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640"></img></a></em></p>
<p><em>This year, we are moving to a 2 year cycle for our top 25 list. This means any cigar released in 2017 or 2018 is eligible. Jason, Denis and I each created a list, and then worked together to re-rank all of the candidates in an order we could agree on. And now we present... The list for 2018! </em> --Tripp…</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/542631806?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/542631806?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></em></p>
<p><em>This year, we are moving to a 2 year cycle for our top 25 list. This means any cigar released in 2017 or 2018 is eligible. Jason, Denis and I each created a list, and then worked together to re-rank all of the candidates in an order we could agree on. And now we present... The list for 2018! </em> --Tripp</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>25. Joya Silver Ultra</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 6 1/4x46</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Ecuadorian Oscuro</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Nicaragua</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539122178?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539122178?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>Spicy, earth and chocolatey, this stick rounds out the new Joya portfolio perfectly. The size and box-pressed shape combined with the intensity of flavor make the Ultra our favorite in the line. --Tripp</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>24. The T Toro</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 6x52</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Nicaraguan</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Nicaragua</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539752540?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539752540?profile=original&amp;width=480" width="480" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><em>Caldwell, Matt Booth and AJ Fernandez working together on a cigar created something special and the Toro size really shines in this blend. It’s a spicy cigar with coffee, chocolate and earthy flavors that achieve a great balance to create a unique and totally satisfying smoking --Jason</em></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>23. Drew Estate Liga Privada T52 Corona Viva</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 6x46</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Connecticut Habano</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Nicaragua</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539176733?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539176733?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a><em>The T52 Corona Viva takes an already loved and established blend to the next level for fans and newcomers alike. The smaller ring gauge allows for a deeper focus on the richly textured spiced caramel and coffee notes of the cigar, while still providing a completely new and exciting smoking experience. An inspiring new take on an old classic. --Denis</em></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>22. Protocol Probable Cause Corona Gordo</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 5 5/8x46</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Nicaragua</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539247253?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539247253?profile=original&amp;width=480" width="480" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>This cigar is a chocolate bomb with coffee flavors and nice subtle sweetness. This size stands out as the most full bodied the line and is an impressive smoke from start to finish. I didn’t think it could get any better than the Lancero but the Corona Gorda is a head turner. --Jason</em></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>21. Jas Sum Kral Toothpick 2.0 Maduro</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 5x50</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Nicaragua</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539276591?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539276591?profile=original&amp;width=340" width="340" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>A budget-priced, mixed-filler cigar, but you’d never guess either when smoking it. Strong and spicy wearing a San Andres Maduro wrapper, with flavors of wood, nuts, and sweet earth, all at an everyday smoking price.</em> --Tripp</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>20. Micallef Migdalia</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 4x46</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Habano</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Nicaragua</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539294864?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539294864?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>This is a great small format cigar that offers an impressive amount of complexity and enough strength to please fans of fuller bodied cigars, but also be approachable for fans of mild to medium bodied smokes. It’s impressive that a cigar of this size can offer such a complete smoking experience.</em> --Jason</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>19. Saga Short Tales Tomo VI: El Tobaco</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 5 1/2x58</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Mexican San Andres</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Dominican Republic</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539311389?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539311389?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>The sixth release in a series originally debuted in 2016, known as Short Tales, the Tomo VI presents us with a proper smoking adventure. Nuanced by a touch of white pepper, stone fruit, and cedar, the San Andreas wrapper narrates the experience from first light to final ash without overshadowing some of the more delicate flavors. Those in need of an escape will find a fine companion in this cigar.</em> --Denis</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>18. RoMa Craft CRAFT 2018</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 5x60 Trumpet</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Pennsylvania Broadleaf/Ecuadorian Connecticut Dark Candela</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Nicaragua</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539737265?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539737265?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>Using the Neanderthal blend as a jumping off point, this cigar is an intense mix of spice, earth, and leather, with a hint of herbal bitterness from the Ecuadorian Candela wrapper hiding underneath the Pennsylvania Broadleaf wrapper. Not easy to find due to the limited quantity, but worth a buy if you can find them.</em> --Tripp</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>17. Illusione OneOff Corona</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 5 1/2 x42</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Nicaraguan</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Nicaragua</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539365975?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539365975?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>The OneOff brand was resurrected by Dion Giolito of Illusione Cigars in 2018 and while I never smoked the original OneOff, this one really impressed me, especially in this classic corona size. --Jason</em></p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>16. Eiroa First 20 Robusto</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 5x50</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Honduran Corojo</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Honduras</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><em>Medium bodied, but extremely complex, this cigar from Eiroa uses a 5 year aged Corojo wrapper, and has tons of creamy peanut butter flavors, with just enough spice to keep things interesting. --Tripp</em></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>15. La Barba Ricochet Corona Gorda</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 5 3/4x46</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Mexican San Andres</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Dominican Republic</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/542872607?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/542872607?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>The Ricochet is stronger than the previous offerings from La Barba, but manages to ramp up the flavor while retaining the complex nuance that is characteristic of the brand. The best smoke yet from La Barba. --Tripp</em></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>14. La Volcada</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 7x48</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Mexican San Andres</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Domincan Republic</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539477415?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539477415?profile=original&amp;width=480" width="480" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>Yet another San Andreas adorned all-star of 2018, the La Volcada brings some serious funk to the table. Medium-plus in strength, it carries a pleasant earthy nuttiness adorned by spice and an ever-present citrus quality that dances on the palate and pulls you in to take another puff. --Denis</em></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>13. Nuevitas Esteli Robusto</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 5x52</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo 99</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Nicaragua</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/542876262?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/542876262?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>The Nuevitas Esteli is a unique cigar in the Tatuaje portfolio offering more woody, nutty and leather flavors that you don’t typically see in the other lines. This is a true medium all the way through and rewards you for smoking through it slowly with a ton of nuance and complexity. --Jason</em></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>12. Avo Improvisation 30 Years</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 7 1/2x50</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Ecuadorian</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Dominican Republic</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539503432?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539503432?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>Sporting an Ecuadorian wrapper with Dominican binder and filler, the AVO 30th Anniversary celebrates the occasion perfectly. Well-balanced and refined, it leaves a pleasantly lingering gentle creaminess on the palate. A great reminder to sit back, relax, and celebrate the small things in life. --Denis</em></p>
<p> </p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>11. Todos Las Dias Thick Lonsdale Mas Fuerte</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 6x46</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Nicaraguan</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Nicaragua</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539759747?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539759747?profile=original&amp;width=480" width="480" class="align-center"/></a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><em>A recurring theme for Dunbarton Tobacco &amp; Trust has been releasing slightly stronger version of an existing blend in a new vitola. This time, the Todos Las Dias gets the ‘Mas Fuerte’ sticker, increasing the strength of an already strong blend. The result is a version of the blend that we find to have sharper and more defined flavors than the original blend. --Tripp</em></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>10. Southern Draw Cedrus Hogan</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 5 1/2x52</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Indonesian Sumatra</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Nicaragua</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539545183?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539545183?profile=original&amp;width=480" width="480" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>The latest core line from Southern Draw, the Cedrus dons a Sumatra wrapper and starts off strong with intense black pepper and cedar and slowly fades into an elegant mix of sweet, creamy and smokey. While it doesn’t factor into cigar’s ranking on this list, the packaging on this one is unique and fantastic. --Tripp</em></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">9. HVC First Selection Broadleaf Toro</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Size: 6x52</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Country of Origin: Nicaragua</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><em>This the one of the best examples of Connecticut Broadleaf over Aganorsa tobaccos ever. Offering strength with a ton of nuance and complexity it really impresses all the way through. This cigar is a little bit under the radar of many but if you have the opportunity to try one of these, don’t miss out. --Jason</em></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>8. Aganorsa Leaf Signature Selection Corona Gorda</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 6x44</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo 99</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Nicaragua</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539557808?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539557808?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>This cigar offers that distinct and magic flavor found in Aganorsa Corjo 99 and medio tiempo tobacco. The blend is a showcase of medium bodied, full flavor complexity that makes me want more every time I finish one. --Jason</em></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>7. Cornelius &amp; Anthony The Gent Robusto</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 5x52</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Ecuadorian Rosado</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Nicaragua</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539568921?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539568921?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>This a medium bodied cigar with a ton of complexity. The cigar has strong earthy flavors balanced nicely by some spice and sweetness giving the smoker a great all around experience. Cornelius and Anthony has a portfolio of great cigars and this blend really impressed. --Jason</em></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>6. Tatuaje 15<sup>th</sup> Anniversary Claro Belicoso Fino</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 5 1/2x52</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Rosado Claro</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Country of Origin: U.S.A.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539584316?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539584316?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em>The 15th Anniversary brings out notes of sweet hay complimented by classic cedar and a modicum of spice. Yet another great example of gentle complexity that is refined and oh so smokable. Bravo Pete Johnson and team! --Denis</em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>5. Byron 21</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 8.5x52</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Costa Rica</strong></p>
<p> <a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539594873?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539594873?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>Elegant, intriguing, and with an incredibly well balanced portfolio of nuts, cedar, and gentle yeasty sweetness, this cigar really encourages the smoker to slow down and pay attention. Coming in at solid medium in strength, it remains approachable to even the most discerning of smokers. --Denis</em></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>4. Mombacho Cosecha 2013</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 6x52</strong><br/> <strong>Wrapper: Nicaraguan</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Nicaragu</strong>a</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539603821?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539603821?profile=original&amp;width=340" width="340" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>The Cosecha 2013 from Mombacho is blended using tobaccos from a single harvest season in 2013, rolled the following year, and then aged just under 4 years before release. The follow-up to last year’s debut of the Cosecha series offers an even more much stronger blend than the original with black pepper, chili pepper, and earth as the primary flavors with a bit of coffee and earth rounding out the profile. --Tripp</em></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>3. Aladino Corojo Reserva Robusto</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 5x50</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Honduran Corojo</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Honduras</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539613593?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539613593?profile=original&amp;width=480" width="480" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>This is a full bodied, full flavored cigar offering spice, wood, coffee flavors and that distinct Honduran Corojo quality only found in this tobacco from the Jamastran Valley of Honduras. While the cigar is strong, it also offers balance and complexity that will appeal to a wide variety of cigar smokers. --Jason</em></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>2. Dunbarton Sin Compromiso No. 5</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 6x54</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: San Andres Negro</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Nicaragua</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/542880850?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/542880850?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>Saka introduces yet another titan to an already impressive family of cigars. A hint of sweetness perfectly marries the rich chocolate and pepper notes that continue to evolve to the very last puff. Rock solid construction and clean packaging make the Sin Compromiso an absolute pleasure for the eyes as much as the palate. --Denis</em></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>1. Joya de Nicaragua Cinco Decadas Diadema</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Size: 6x54</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Country of Origin: Nicaragua</strong></p>
<p> <a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539681387?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/539681387?profile=original&amp;width=640" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><em>As the name implies, the Cinco Decadas celebrates the 50th anniversary of the oldest Nicaraguan cigar company. The cigars are flawlessly rolled, and offer an incredibly rich mix of oak, maple syrup, black pepper, cream and earth. Simply put, this is an incredible cigar that manages to one-up the Quarto-Cinco that celebrated the companies 45th anniversary. --Tripp</em></p>Booze News: Icarus Brewing Company Planning Releases of DDH Power Juicer, King Arthur's Steed and Cobra Clutchtag:cigarfederation.com,2018-12-17:6432777:BlogPost:3850712018-12-17T14:41:18.000ZMatt Rosshttp://cigarfederation.com/profile/MattRosenthal
<p>Lakewood, NJ's Icarus Brewing Company has gotten into a steady cadence of releasing new packaged offerings weekly. Now, after reviewing filings with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and validating with Icarus Owner and Head Brewer Jason Goldstein, we know Icarus has no plans to take the holidays off!</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/399692292?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/399692292?profile=original&amp;width=750" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>According to a filing with…</p>
<p>Lakewood, NJ's Icarus Brewing Company has gotten into a steady cadence of releasing new packaged offerings weekly. Now, after reviewing filings with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and validating with Icarus Owner and Head Brewer Jason Goldstein, we know Icarus has no plans to take the holidays off!</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/399692292?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/399692292?profile=original&amp;width=750" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>According to a filing with the TTB, Icarus received approval on December 4th for a can label for a new Double Dry Hopped version of Power Juicer. DDH Power Juicer is a 7.5% ABV Double Dry Hopped Imperial IPA. The original Power Juicer debuted in April to rave reviews, and a DDH version debuted on draft in July, but that was Double Dry Hopped with Denali. The canned version will be Double Dry Hopped with Cashmere.</p>
<p>According to Goldstein, "<span>Cashmere is pure honeydew and cantaloupe and really meshes well with the soft sweetness from the lactose." DDH Power Juicer will be available alongside a fresh batch of King Arthur's Steed beginning Wednesday in the Icarus tap room.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/399767474?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/399767474?profile=original&amp;width=750" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>Icarus followed this up on December 11th when they received TTB approval for a debuting beer - Cobra Clutch. Cobra Clutch is a new 7.9% ABV Imperial India Pale Ale. According to the can art, Cobra Clutch is a "Heavily Oated and Wheated Imperial India Pale Ale dry hopped with Nelson Sauvin and Citra then copiously Dry Hopped with Lupulin Mosaic and Nelson Sauvin."</span></p>
<p><span>Goldstein tells us Cobra Clutch has "tons of white grape and fruit punch going on and very full bodied. Names based on one of Sgt Slaughters signature moves the Cobra Clutch, which is a type of Full Nelson and our link to the hops." Goldstein added, "its smelling pretty phenomenal already. It'll be canned on 12/26 and released that day too."</span></p>
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